New Delhi: Team Rahul is likely to dominate the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee with close aide of party vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Sirsa MP, Ashok Tanwar emerging as strong contender for the post of state unit chief.

The Congress high command will soon declare the names of Haryana Congress chief. Apart from it, various corporations and boards have several posts lying vacant for months. Sources said that party vice-president Rahul Gandhi had hinted at appointment of state unit chief during a meeting with Congress MPs from Haryana.

During the meeting, Rahul also raised the issue of 33 posts lying vacant in several corporations and boards. The Congress vice-president said that why are these posts not being filled up?

Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda recommended for Ram Prakash for the state unit chief, while his political rival and Union Minister Kumari Selja batted for Ishwar Singh. Both Ram Prakash and Ishwar Singh represent the state in the Upper House.

Meanwhile, Rahul has turned down the recommendations made by Hooda and Selja as the party vice-president wants to infuse new blood in the state unit. Ashok Tanwar is not only a close aide of Rahul but also belongs to Dalit community. Both the factors go in favour of Tanwar.

Hooda don’t share warm relation with Selja, a prominent Dalit face of Congress in the state. In this context, Tanwar’s elevation in the Haryana Congress is unlikely to challenge Hooda’s leadership.

After Rahul’s intervention, Hooda has held several rounds of meeting with state in charge BK Hari Prasad. If Hooda delays in making appointment for these posts, leaders will be parachuted to the state. Sensing it, Hooda will soon fill up the posts lying vacant.